What is SnapLogic™?

SnapLogic is an open source data integration framework that brings Really Simple Integration to the enterprise. SnapLogic applies the universal standards of the Web and applies them to the problem of data integration.

Unlike commercial integration solutions that are designed for individual integration tasks (like ETL, EAI and EII) at the core of the enterprise IT infrastructure, SnapLogic has the power and flexibility to address a wide range of data integration requirements without requiring hand-coding or expensive investments in hardware or software.

SnapLogic builds on the power of dynamic programming languages and the Web to make data integration at the edge of the IT infrastructure fast and easy.

What is included in SnapLogic software?

SnapLogic includes:

• SnapLogic Designer, an easy-to-use, browser-based, drag-and-drop interface for combining data integration Resources into Pipelines and for running Pipelines.
• A full programmatic interface in Python; a modern, powerful dynamic language, for writing new Components and customizing data integration Pipelines.
• A command line interface, enabling SnapLogic Pipelines to be run through shell commands, cron jobs, and other interfaces.
• A metadata Repository for storing Resources and Pipelines for re-use.
• A SnapLogic server for running SnapLogic Pipelines.
• A set of standard integration Components as well as a growing collection of free, Open Source Pipelines for common data sources such as QuickBooks, SalesForce.com, Oracle, Apache, etc.

What can SnapLogic be used for?

Use SnapLogic for any data integration task that requires speed and efficiency.

Applications include:

• SaaS and PaaS integration
• Enterprise mashups and RIAs
• Secure data distribution
• Integration for SOA

Is SnapLogic an Open Source project?

Yes. Our source code is published on www.snaplogic.org and licensed under GPLv2. Developers are free to develop enhancements to the product and contribute Components and Pipelines to the SnapLogic community.

Is SnapLogic free?

The Community Edition of SnapLogic is free. It's available for download on www.snaplogic.org.

What are the system requirements for a SnapLogic server?

SnapLogic servers can run on Windows XP, Windows 2003, Linux, VMware, and Amazon EC2. For more information about system requirements, please see our System Requirements page. For information about our Amazon Machine Image, please click here.

What programming interfaces does SnapLogic support?

SnapLogic Components are written in Python, and SnapLogic supports Python for Components and Pipelines.

When configured with the PHP package (available on SnapLogic.org), SnapLogic also supports PHP.

Do I have to be a programmer to use SnapLogic?

No. Without programming, you can use the SnapLogic browser-based interface to drag and drop Resources, assemble Pipelines, and run Pipelines. SnapLogic enables programmers and non-programmers alike to build on the work of others through re-usable Components and easy-to-assemble Pipelines.

What are the advantages of SnapLogic over traditional ETL solutions?

• Business agility
• Dramatically lower cost
• Rapid implementation
• Component re-use through the SnapLogic Repository
• A growing list of free extensions and enhancements to the product

Where can I find free Components and Pipelines for SnapLogic?

Our Open Source development site, SnapLogic.org, offers a growing list of free Components and Pipelines for SnapLogic.

What is a Component?

A SnapLogic Component is a pre-built program that performs a specific data function, such as reading a database or an RSS feed.

For a list of SnapLogic Components, click here.

What is a Resource?

A SnapLogic Resource is a SnapLogic Component configured for a particular task. A Resource includes specific configuration data for the Component, such as the parameters to use when processing data. SnapLogic Resources are accessed through URIs.

What is a Pipeline?

A SnapLogic Pipeline is a sequence of one or more SnapLogic Resources linked together that runs to perform a specific data integration task. For example, a Pipeline might read data from an RSS feed, reformat it, and write it to a database.

What is a SnapLogic Server?

A SnapLogic server is a lightweight server process that accesses data from one or more sources and that executes SnapLogic integration Pipelines. A SnapLogic server can run directly on a data source along with the database, application or file server. Or, it can run as a standalone integration server, accessing SnapLogic Resources across the network.

What is a metadata Repository?

A metadata Respository is a storage area for Resources on a SnapLogic Server. Through scripts, command lines, or the SnapLogic browser-based user interface, users access Resources in one or more Repositories and combine them to create SnapLogic data integration Pipelines. The metadata Repository also provides information about where data is being accessed and used. Through the metadata Repository, users can assess data accuracy and provenance.

How is SnapLogic licensed?

THe SnapLogic Data Integration Framework is licensed under GNU GPL version 2.